What is silicone ring pessary used for?

The soft ring sits inside the vagina and provides a support point for tissues that have moved downward. It may reduce a sensation of vaginal heaviness, a bulge, or discomfort during standing and activity. Some people also notice better bladder support, although urinary symptoms can change in either direction. A clinician chooses the size and checks that it is comfortable, stays in place, and does not press on the vaginal walls.

Attend a fitting appointment rather than choosing a size by guesswork. Learn whether you can remove, clean, and reinsert the ring yourself, or whether the clinic will manage follow-up care. Ask how often it should be checked and whether vaginal moisturiser or prescribed treatment is suitable if the tissues feel dry. Report persistent discomfort, bleeding, unusual discharge, or trouble passing urine so the fit can be reviewed.

Contact a clinician if the pessary falls out repeatedly, causes pain, rubs, or interferes with urination or bowel movements. New bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, fever, or pelvic pain may indicate irritation or infection and should not be ignored. Seek urgent care for severe pain, inability to pass urine, fainting, or heavy bleeding.

Is a ring pessary suitable for my prolapse? How will I know it is positioned correctly? Can I remove it for sex or cleaning? When should it be checked, and what alternatives are available if it does not help?